The University of Sharjah hosts the 14th Arab Astronomy Conference under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.
The Emirate of Sharjah hosted the 14th Arab Conference of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, organized by the University of Sharjah in collaboration with the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, the Sharjah Academy for Space Science and Technology, and the Regional Office for Astronomy Development in Arab Countries during the period of November 13-16, 2023, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the President of the University of Sharjah.
The conference saw the participation of more than 300 attendees, including high-ranking officials from government bodies, international space agencies, heads of astronomical associations, as well as scientists, researchers, and specialized students in the fields of space and astronomy from across the Arab world and the globe.
Professor Dr. Hameed Majoul Naimi, the President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences and the Director of the University of Sharjah, emphasized the significance of the conference, which attracted prominent scientists from various parts of the world, bridging the gap between scientific, astronomical, religious, and legal institutions related to space and astronomy, as well as academics and astronomical organizations.
The conference, coinciding with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences in 1998 in Amman, Jordan, addressed several topics, including astronomy and astrophysics, space sciences and technologies, astronomical domes and their techniques, astronomy in Arab cultures, education, and community service, initiatives and programs for sustainable development goals. Researchers and academics presented over 240 research papers during the conference, both in-person and remotely through parallel lectures.
In addition to the scientific sessions, the conference featured specialized scientific workshops, including radio astronomy, observation and analysis of planets using the Sharjah Optical Observatory, and a workshop on astronomical domes and their operation, presented by the Arab Astronomical Domes Association. This was accompanied by an intriguing presentation of the Sharjah Astronomical Dome, which serves as the headquarters for the Arab Astronomical Domes Association.
On the sidelines of the conference, the General Assembly meeting was held, during which financial and administrative reports of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences were presented and approved. Elections were also conducted for the Higher Council of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, resulting in the re-election of Dr. Hameed Majoul Naimi as President, Dr. Eng. Awni Al-Khasawneh as Secretary-General, and Dr. Mashhoor Al-Wardat as Treasurer. Representatives of Arab countries were also elected.
Moreover, the second administrative council elections of the Arab Astronomical Domes Association were held, resulting in the election of Mr. Marwan Shweiki as President, Dr. Omar Fikri as Vice President, Dr. Zainab Qasim as Secretary, Dr. Alexander Al-Adly as Treasurer, and Mr. Hisham bin Yahya as Activities and Media Officer.
Several cooperation agreements were signed between the Arab Union, the University of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Academy for Space Science and Technology with various Arab and international astronomical institutions and organizations.
The final meeting announced the recommendations of the conference, including the establishment of the ‘Arabian Meteorite Association’ and the signing of agreements, as well as setting the date for the next 15th Arab Conference.
The conference also featured the honoring of sponsors and supporters by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the President of the University of Sharjah. In a special evening, attendees gathered for a farewell ceremony that included the honoring of several distinguished members and astronomical entities from various Arab and international countries for their boundless efforts in advancing the field of space and astronomy in the Arab world and globally.”
